SUE'S BLOG...
May 5, 2009
Hockey Night in Japan
I want to introduce you to a new community group that has already done some great things for some lucky children in Japan.
Street Hockey United (SHU) is a non-profit organization committed to promoting the game of hockey, camaraderie and a healthy lifestyle to children in Canada and around the world. SHU was formed in 2008 with the goal of bringing street hockey to children in parts of the world that wouldn’t necessarily be exposed to the sport, as well as introducing the "fun" of the sport to kids in Mississauga and the GTA.
During the group’s first trip to Kariya, Japan (Mississauga’s twin city) in November of 2008, the group visited two schools and taught over 200 Japanese children the basics of street hockey. And through the generosity of sponsors, the group managed to bring with them over five dozen hockey sticks, several dozen street hockey balls and four complete sets of goalie equipment in hopes that hockey would continue to be taught.
Well their goal was fulfilled, as one school in Kariya has actually introduced hockey as part of their physical education curriculum. Just read part of the letter SHU received from Principal Tomiyoshi Suzuki of Fujimatsu Higashi Elementary School in Kariya:
"As we have never played street hockey before, our students had a once in a life time opportunity to learn how to play and enjoy hockey from your group. The class of over 100 students have already told their amazing story of how they learned street hockey to the rest of the school. It is definitely the talk of the school. I believe that street hockey will be a popular sport among the children in our school for the future."
The group has now been officially invited back to continue their tour of Japanese schools. They will even be expanding their tour and including schools in the neighbouring City of Nagoya.
Part of Street Hockey United’s vision is to also start a series of street hockey clinics that will introduce kids between the age of 6 and 12 to the sport. The focus of the clinics will be on fun and will aim to promote camaraderie, teamwork and the importance of keeping active.
Join them in Japan
Street Hockey United is looking for Mississauga residents to join them on their tour of Japanese schools this November. The trip will take place from November 11-18. The only cost to participants will be the cost of the flight (which will be significantly subsidized) and roughly $300 in miscellaneous costs. If you are interested in this unique experience, please visit their site and download the application at www.streethockeyunited.com.
If you are interested in volunteering with the group or contributing to the operation of their programs, please contact them at www.streethockeyunited.com.